Greek-Style Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe

If you are searching for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying dish that brings the Mediterranean sunshine right to your table, this Greek-Style Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It beautifully combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and salty feta with crunchy cubes of crusty bread all hugged together by a zesty dressing that sings of red wine vinegar and garlic. This salad is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a colorful, textural delight that’s perfect for sharing and brightening any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Greek-Style Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe. Each element plays a role, from the crunch of the bread to the tang of the feta, resulting in a salad that’s as pleasing to eat as it is to look at.

• 1/2 day-old baguette or crusty Italian bread: Using slightly stale bread helps it soak up the dressing without turning mushy.
• 1 cucumber, seeded and cut into chunks: Adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the richer ingredients.
• 4 large tomatoes or equivalent cherry/heirloom tomatoes: Provides juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a subtle pungency that wakes up the palate.
• 1 jar roasted red bell peppers, chopped: Brings smoky, sweet undertones and a lovely pop of red.
• 1 jar capers, drained: Adds a briny, tangy burst for depth.
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped: Contributes Mediterranean savoriness with a firm texture.
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: The foundation of the dressing, it imparts richness and smoothness.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Brings acidity that brightens and balances the salad.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning with flaxseed: A fragrant herb blend adding earthy warmth.
• 1 clove garlic, pressed: Infuses the dressing with a garlicky kick.
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: To season to perfect taste.
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, salty topping that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Greek-Style Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Vegetables

Start by cutting your baguette or crusty bread into 1-inch cubes, perfect for soaking up the flavors without falling apart. Next, seed and chop the cucumber and tomatoes into similarly sized chunks, ensuring every bite is balanced. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the roasted red bell peppers so they blend seamlessly into the salad.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently toss together the cubed bread, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, roasted red bell peppers, capers, and chopped kalamata olives. This mix already bursts with color and aroma, promising a salad that is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Grab a jar with a tight-fitting lid and combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, pressed garlic clove, and a good pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Shake vigorously until the ingredients emulsify into a robust, flavorful vinaigrette.

Step 4: Dress and Chill

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat every piece. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and give it one last light toss. Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to an hour. This resting time allows the bread to soak up the dressing just right and all the flavors to meld into a harmonious masterpiece.

How to Serve Greek-Style Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of freshness and flair, consider adding some torn fresh basil leaves or a handful of chopped fresh parsley on top. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving can elevate the flavors even further and lend an inviting glossy finish.

Side Dishes

This Greek-Style Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe shines as a standalone light meal but also pairs beautifully with grilled meats like lamb or chicken, or alongside a simple serving of hummus and pita bread for a well-rounded Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in a rustic wooden bowl to highlight its earthy, homey feel. For an elegant twist, present it in hollowed-out tomatoes or mini bell peppers for individual servings. Either way, the vibrant colors and textures will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek-Style Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the bread may continue to soften, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a short window.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing because the fresh vegetables and bread will lose their texture and become soggy once thawed. It’s best made fresh or stored short-term in the fridge.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, bring the salad to room temperature before serving if it has been refrigerated, which helps bring out all the vibrant flavors and makes it more enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this salad?

Absolutely! Any crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta works well, especially if it’s slightly stale so it can absorb the dressing nicely without falling apart.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

You can easily make it vegan by omitting the feta cheese or substituting it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

How long should I let the salad sit before serving?

Ideally, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the bread to soak up the dressing and for the flavors to meld. However, it can also be served immediately if you prefer a crunchier bread texture.

Can I add protein to make it more filling?

Yes! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can turn this salad into a hearty, satisfying main course while maintaining its vibrant flavor profile.

What wine pairs well with this Greek-Style Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe?

A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé pairs beautifully by complementing the salad’s acidity and freshness without overwhelming it.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about this Greek-Style Panzanella Bread Salad Recipe that makes every bite a celebration — from the crunchy bread to the burst of fresh vegetables and tangy feta. It’s an easy, vibrant way to showcase seasonal produce and Mediterranean flavors, perfect for sharing with friends and family. I warmly encourage you to try making it yourself and watch how it effortlessly becomes one of your favorite dishes to make and enjoy.

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